Resource Centre > FAQ's
PLM Exit Signs
How can Glo Brite® Exit Signs work without electricity?
Glo Brite® Exit Signs use next generation photoluminescent technology that allows the signs to absorb and store energy from ambient florescent light. In the event of an emergency such as blackout or smoky conditions Glo Brite® Exit Signs are immediately visible.
Why are Glo Brite® Exit Signs reliable?
Reliability has been the #1 safety issue with conventional emergency exit signs. Problems with maintenance and bulb failure are typical with electric signs. Glo Brite® Exit Signs are 100% reliable because they have no internal lights to burn out and are virtually maintenance-free for 25+ years.
Are Glo Brite® Exit Signs radioactive?
No, unlike other non-electric signage available today Glo Brite® Exit Signs are non-radioactive and non-toxic.
Do Glo Brite® Exit Signs have any special requirements for installation?
Because Glo Brite® Exit Signs use no electricity they can be installed in almost every high or low location, and without the typically expensive hassle that comes with installing electric signs. Simply follow local building and fire codes for location requirements and make sure your Glo Brite® Exit Sign have 54 lux of fluorescent light on the sign face during building occupancy. Then, go hang your Glo Brite® Exit Signs. It's as simple as that!
Are Glo Brite® Exit Signs listed to the UL 924 Standard for Emergency Lighting and Power Equipment?
Yes. Glo Brite® Exit Signs are listed by ITS Intertek Services which issues their ETL logo. Our listing number is 3011292. UL develops standards that can then be used by any nationally recognized testing laboratory for compliance to that standard. ETL has completed all of the testing and Glo Brite® Exit Signs have been found to conform to the UL 924 standard. This also puts Glo Brite® Exit Signs in compliance with NFPA Life Safety Code 101 and most local building codes. Glo Brite® Exit Signs also comply with the ICBO, IBC, UBC, BOCA, SBCCI and ICC building codes.
Are Glo Brite® Exit Signs available in any other photoluminescent color than High Visibility Green?
No, exit sign illumination should be High Visibility Green for good reason. In general, building codes address color as to whether illumination should be green or red. The problem with red light is that the human eye has trouble seeing the color red from a distance, or when the line of sight has been obstructed by smoke. The green spectrum has much higher visibility and readability. The color green is also associated with the mental instruction to GO, much like at a traffic light. Green illumination makes for a much safer and more reliable sign. We do, however, offer our metal sign housing in Black, Red or Green.
How long will Glo Brite® Exit Signs last?
Glo Brite® Exit Signs are built to last! Because there are no internal replacement parts, Glo Brite® Exit Signs will be virtually maintenance-free for 25+ years. Our unique photoluminescent material will also not degrade when exposed to UV light, and allows consistent, uniform illumination across the sign face. Glo Brite® Exit Signs are also explosion-proof, and can be used in sensitive areas that require explosion-proof exit signs.
Can Glo Brite® Exit Signs save on energy dollars?
Absolutely! There are more than 100 million exit signs in building across the U.S., operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is estimated that the U.S. spends $1 Billion to operate these signs. By using Glo Brite® Exit Signs, U.S. companies could save millions of dollars per year in energy and maintenance costs!
Your exit signs state that illumination must be present on the sign face at all times of building occupancy. Is this true?
Yes, if the building is occupied at all, there must be illumination at all times. If a building is going to be empty, there will still be some light source available (windows, door etc). If for some reason, the building is completely black, when occupancy returns and the lights do go on, we recharge in less than one minute.
Are there incentive packages for purchasing photoluminescent Exit Signs?
Municipality Funding for PNA Exit Signs:
a. One of the most common problems for municipalities is upfront costs, the OSIFA loan program provides an alternative solution!
Where would Tritium Exit Signs be common? This could be an easy upgrade to Photoluminescent!
Tritium signs were popular in the mid nineties. Nobody ever admitted they were radioactive. Now they are effectively banned as the EPA has put huge restrictions on them and no Government building or School can install them as they are toxic, radioactive and very expensive.
Can you cover an existing LED or Incandescent exit sign with a safety Exit sticker?
Even though it sounds like a cheap solution, unfortunately this is illegal. EXIT SIGNS must be ULC and Building Code Approved. This includes passing Luminance levels, Longevity, Flame Spread, Flammability, Toxicity, Radioactivity and Graffiti proofing. Stickers have none of these. They can be used for 'ADDITIONAL SAFETY ASSISSTANCE ' only.
Are Photoluminescent exit signs LEED qualified?
Yes, PhotoLuminescent Exit Signs Quality under:
Where are example locations where PLM Exit Signs can be installed?